Barbecue competition returns for fourth straight year

The Cookin’ on the Coosa barbecue competition will return for the fourth consecutive year next weekend and for the second year Wetumpka Boys and Girls Club will receive the proceeds from the event.

The cook-off will be held next Saturday during the River and Blues Music and Arts Festival.

Last year the event raised nearly $8,000 for the Boys and Girls Club.

“Everyone helped – the sponsors, the competitors and everyone who bought a wristband to sample the cook-off food,” said Rick Jackson, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of the River Region.

Both professional and amateur barbecue teams are encouraged to compete.

Professional entry fee is $250 and includes all categories (chicken, pork and ribs). Amateur entry fee is $50 per category or $150 for all three.

Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. The cook-off is an Alabama Barbecue Association Backyard Division event.

Sponsorships are available in three categories – Hog Wild ($500), Piggin’ Out ($300) and Kickin’ Chicken ($200).

Others can help the cause by purchasing wristbands for $10 each to sample the wares prepared by contestants. The bands will be sold on site the day of the competition.

Deadline to secure a sponsor spot or to register for either of the competitions is Monday.

Both sponsor and entry forms are available online at www.bgcriverregion.org under the news tab.